Austria is a land locked country in the centre of Europe and is predominantly mountainous with its highest point reaching to nearly 4,000 metres. Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, Austria is blessed with snow-capped mountains, lush green alps, lakes and rivers all complimented by picturesque villages. Many Austrians still wear local costume as part of their everyday life. The population is German speaking with various dialects spoken depending on the region. The origins of modern-day Austria date back to the time of the Habsburg dynasty. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Austria became one of the great powers of Europe with the Austrian Empire officially proclaimed in 1804. After the collapse of the Habsburg (Austro-Hungarian) Empire in 1918 at the end of World War I, Austria adopted the name the Republic of German Austria. However, the country was then heavily occupied by Nazi Germany until the end of World War II in 1945, after which Austria's former democratic constitution was restored. Today, Austria is a one of the wealthiest countries in the world and enjoys a very high standard of living, which is most beneficial to its visitors. New Experience Holidays offer holidays trekking in Austria and walking in Austria - see the listings below for details.

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<pre><br /></pre><p>Austria is a land locked country in the centre of Europe and is predominantly mountainous with its highest point reaching to nearly 4,000 meters. Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, Austria is blessed with snow-capped mountains, lush green alps, lakes and rivers all complimented by picturesque villages. Many Austrians still wear local costume as part of their everyday life. The population is German speaking with various dialects spoken depending on the region. The origins of modern-day Austria date back to the time of the Habsburg dynasty . During the 17th and 18th centuries, Austria became one of the great powers of Europe with the Austrian Empire officially proclaimed in 1804. After the collapse of the Habsburg (Austro-Hungarian) Empire in 1918 at the end of World War I, Austria adopted the name the Republic of German Austria. However, the country was then heavily occupied by Nazi Germany until the end of World War II in 1945, after which Austria's former democratic constitution was restored. Today, Austria is a one of the wealthiest countries in the world and enjoys a very high standard of living, which is most beneficial to its visitors.</p><p>We offer 8 different holidays in Austria which includes single stays and hotel to hotel treks. We can put together any combination of these you may wish to do. Trek alongside the Danube on paths that wander through vineyards and forests, up and over castle topped hills and alongside the this majestic river. Another region is the ‘Austrian Lake District’ one of the most popular hiking areas with crystal clear lakes, rolling hills, pretty villages and all with the back drop of snow-capped mountains. Some of the treks also cross into Germany, walk around the famous Zugspitz mountain, Germanys highest or around the Hoghkonig mountain taking the beautiful German lake of Koenigsee. </p><p><span style="font-weight: bold">The Walking</span></p><p>As Austria has been a popular walking destination for over a hundred years, the country has an excellent infrastructure centered on hiking making access to the walks one of ease and reliability. Paths are well marked and maintained, maps accurate and detailed. All the walking we offer here is on a <span style="font-weight: bold">self-guided basis</span> as it is easy to find ones’ way with our up to date walking notes and all the supporting information we provide to help you along. </p>

The setting for this holiday is in the Gastein valley, a deeply cut valley in the midst of the imposing panoramas of the Hohe Tauern mountains. This part of Austria sets hikers’ pulses racing in anticipation of exploring on foot the surrounding mountains. It is home to a wealth of natural treasures from clear healthy mountain air to quaint villages and an exclusive town nestled against a steep mountainside with a thunderous waterfall. Located in the state of Salzburg, the Gasteinertal has been welcoming walkers for generations. There is a direct train link to Salzburg making travel to the area easy.

Your Austrian base is Schladming in the Enns valley, the Enns is a lively river which flows east to join the Danube. The Enns valley is dominated to the north by the stark limestone mountains, of which Dachstein (the ‘Roof Stone’) is the largest. To the south are the peaks of the Schladminger Tauern. There is a network of post buses that run from the main valley either onto terraces such as Ramsau, or linking small villages or of greater importance to walkers routes will take you down side valleys deep into the mountains. All the transport with Planai and RVB buses in the area are free with a Sommercard, also cable cars and most local museums and attractions, including the cable car ride to Dachstein Summit (this is only available when staying at Hotel Zirngast).

The walk follows the course of the Danube in the area known as the Wachau. This is where the Danube is at its most beautiful with sweeping curves framed by hillsides that you will have the opportunity to explore. The mild climate and steep hills make it ideal territory for wine and fruit growing, which adds to the beauty of the valley. The valley has a number of historic towns. The area has outstanding regional food and drink specialities apart from the famous wine there are delicious apricot dishes and many others all making best use of the local produce. Each day you ascend through vineyards, orchards and light forest to achieve wonderful viewing points with stunning vistas over the ever changing River Danube and the surrounding open countryside.

This area of Southern Germany and Northern Austria, commonly referred to as Upper Bavaria invites the trekker to enjoy walks with alpine meadows, wonderful mountain views often with snow at the top, panoramic views across green lush valleys and delightful lakes. You are walking around the towering peaks of the Hochkönig massif of which Mount Hochkönig itself at 2941m stands majestically above all of the others. You start in Germany, walk into Austria on the first walking day and back into Germany on the last. No need for passport checks when crossing borders as both countries are members of the Schengen Agreement (Borderless Europe). You will stay in a hamlet, alpine village, high alpine pass and in a small town in Austria, the first and last night are in Germany right by the beautiful blue-green waters of Lake Königssee.

The walk is in the area officially called Salzkammergut but is also well known by the name “Austrian Lake District”. It is one of Austria's major walking destinations, featuring crystal clear lakes, set amongst stunning hillsides and mountains and dotted with picturesque villages; photographs of which have topped many a chocolate box. It is not surprising that Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria chose Bad Ischl to build his summer palace, which you will have the opportunity to visit. The area developed economically after salt was discovered and mining started but now very little remains of the industry, although it still contributes to the economy as a previous salt mine is now open as a visitor attraction. Some of the area has become a World Heritage Site including the towns of Hallstatt and Bad Goisern, places you will be able to browse around.

Beautiful
Salzkammergut conjures up images of ‘The Sound of Music’, for it was here, in
the “Austrian Lake District”, that much of the film was made. With its
crystal-clear lakes and imposing mountains, it’s one of Austria's favourite
walking destinations and a World Heritage Site. It’s not surprising that
Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria chose to build his summer palace in Bad
Ischl.

This walk is located in the wide valley of the Enns, a lively river which flows east to become a tributary of the Danube. The principle town is Schladming, a modest town of 5,000 people it is known throughout the world for its winter sports. Small villages are dispersed along the valley.
The Enns valley is dominated to the north by the stark limestone mountains, of which Dachstein (the ‘Roof Stone’) is the largest. To the south are the peaks of the Schladminger Tauern.
There are pristine landscapes, lush green alpine valleys and charming small villages to explore, some still with houses dating back centuries.

This area of Southern Germany and Western Austria, commonly referred to as the Tirol invites the trekker to enjoy low-level walks with alpine meadows, wonderful mountain views often with snow at the top, panoramic views across green lush valleys and delightful lakes. You will be circumnavigating Zugspitze, a mountain of just under 3000m shared between Austria and Germany. It is Germany’s highest mountain (but not Austria’s) and has two cable cars (one from each country) giving easy access to the peak. You will visit famous ski resorts and old German towns.